December before 1566

Etienne Delaune created this engraving called ‘December’ sometime in the 16th century. This print gives us a glimpse into the material realities of early modern Europe, and how people experienced the changing seasons. We see a bakery scene, rendered with an eye for detail. People are gathered around a large fire, presumably to stay warm, while others are busy preparing and baking bread. The choice of subject matter reflects the realities of 16th century life, when the rhythms of daily life were very much dictated by the changing seasons. Winter was a time of hardship and scarcity, and food production would have been essential for survival. Beyond the image itself, the presence of this print in a museum collection raises questions about how institutions shape the production and reception of art. What was the journey of this print from Delaune's workshop to the walls of a museum? Further research into the print’s history could reveal much about the changing status of art over the centuries.